Learning from Financial Failure, Part 2Questions for Date Night, Couples/Small Group Time...1.  Do you operate off a budget?  Do you tell your money where to go and how much?  Or do you check your balance and wonder where it all goes?2.  Do you review finances as a couple weekly?  Monthly?  Are you on the same page and mutually approve any purchase over $100?3.  Look up Matt 7: 24-27 and read together.  What are your storms thus far?  Which ones have tested your marriage?  Which teachings help keep your marriage on that rock foundation?  Which ways of the world put your marriage on that sandy weaker foundation?

FriDudes - Getting Real. Pursuing Truth.

Learning from Financial Failure, Part 2, Chapter 11, "Every Marriage Is...Flawed"

Yes, you are in.  So we discussed Bezos and the Amazon Marriage Fail.  That covered for rich or richer and how marriages can melt down.  What about for richer or poorer?  A key part of another&apos;s testimony featured in this chapter.Questions for Date Night, Couple Small Group Couple time...1.  What is your 600 lb life?  What decision do you wish you could go back in time and reverse?  What previous decision or neglect has been weighing you down?  Pause and reflect.2.  Do you view past mistakes with that view shared by Dr. Lorrits?  Do you share what didn&apos;t work and what you did or are doing to correct it?  Share and reflect.  Pause and reflect.3.  What has your spouse done that really hurt or still hurts?  Has it been resolved?  Have you forgiven?  If it still lingers, have you consulted a professional, trusted counselor to help you navigate?

'Learning From Financial Failure', Chapter 11, Part 1, from the audiobook "Every Marriage Is...Flawed"

Yes, you are in!  Extra credit points for you!  As most people neglect their marriages.  You are tuning in.  Sharing these best practices with others.  Striving for stronger everyday.Odds you buy something from Amazon.  Odds are you fight about money with your spouse.  If you only had as much money as the Bezos (founders of Amazon), you would be golden right?  Wrong.  This chapter is of two tales.  For rich or richer?  And the other, of for poorer and a couple still striving to make it work.  Here you go...

'Amazon Marriage Fail' Chapter 10 from the audiobook "Every Marriage Is...Flawed"

Chapter 9The Two Greatest Rules for MarriageFor this chapter, I only get to pick on the Christians.  So if you are an atheist or other, you get to kick back.  If you are not a Christian, you are not obligated to do any of this.  However, if you do have a Christian family member or friend, you may want to challenge them on this.  Ask them, “You call yourself a Christian, but do you know the two greatest commandments?”  More important, do you really follow them?

Chapter 9, 'The Two Greatest Rules for Marriage', from the audiobook "Every Marriage Is...Flawed

Chapter 8:  Holiday ChoiceThis section was written on December 23rd of some year before we knew what was COVID.  For those that celebrate Christmas and New Year, you know this can be a season of great joy and/or dismay.  With the pomp and circumstance can come tension.  I’ve seen and even felt it too many times.  So ironic that a time of peace and celebration can go ugly.  Don’t get me wrong, the Jesus part is right.  You will find peace there if you look for it.  The tension comes from the human side.  Our flaws exposed.  If you read enough of these chapters, you are seeing/learning a theme.  Our egos and flaws create tension.  Get us in a room with a bunch of flawed people - look out!  Get ready for entertaining a bunch of flawed family - ay caramba!  Despite the storms, what will you choose?  If someone is rude, are you going to counter like Jesus or Trump via Twitter?  You do control your reactions.  You really do.  And this author has certainly had a fair share of failures.  Much easier said than done.  With practice, it gets easier.  Overall, I’ll guarantee you this - your best holidays and vacations had love at its center.  In that environment, it gets even easier and full of joy.  On the flips side, when that storm/attack hits, how will you choose to react?  Your choice.   Questions for you and your spouse… What was your greatest regret during the last week?What would you choose to do differently?What has been your best vacation or holiday celebration?  Why?

'Chapter 8: Holiday Choice', from the audiobook "Every Marriage is...Flawed"

Chapter 7Nicker and ChadA message for a young couple getting married during the summer of 2018.  Whether you choose to get married, striving to stay married or want to learn how to better love...a highly recommended point of reflection to consider.  

'Chapter 7: Nicker and Chad' from the audiobook, "Every Marriage Is...Flawed"

Yes!  You&apos;re in!  One noticed that we did not end the &apos;Phil and Amy&apos; audio episode with discussion questions for you and spouse and/or couples group.  Respect!  Thank you!  BTW, while we are at it, if you ever have a burning question or suggestion for improvement, you can hit us up anytime at FriDudes.com.So if this is the first episode you are catching these questions may puzzle you.  Back up one episode and these questions will make total sense.  For those ahead of the game, here are your Chapter 6 questions...BONUS QUESTIONS for your next date, couple or group time...What was your favorite part of what Phil and Amy shared?  Why?This will take some guts to answer.  Just like Phil and Amy boldly shared, which behavior(s) do you need to change?  Since we are all flawed, there is always room for improvement.  Do not let your pride get in the way.  You confess what you could work on and then ask your spouse/significant other what you could work on.  BTW, this question is ongoing for the life of your relationship.  At least monthly, review and audit.Based on your answers above, how long have you been trying to change this behavior on your own?  If for longer than a month, have you consulted a professional such as a therapist, counselor, pastor, etc, or relevant group that addresses above?  Would you?  When?

Chapter 6 Bonus Questions

Yes!  You are in!!  Whether you are married or not, I bet you can relate to a relationship that starts off HOT!  Eventually, it will go colder or even ice cold and you two will need to make a choice.  Yes, love becomes a choice.  Eventually to keep any relationship alive, you are going to have to make some choices.  Do we keep working on this?  Choosing to try.  Choosing to forgive, show grace, mercy and choosing to Love with action.  Action, sometimes, means change.  Changing destructive behaviors and adding constructive ones.  And yes, sometimes we need a counselor or coach to get there.  So, without further adieu, here is Phil and Amy, getting real and pursuing Truth.  Some of you may recall this interview from a couple of years ago.  In my mind, it is priceless and timeless and it makes the "Every Marriage is...Flawed" book.  Sharing what works and didn&apos;t in their marriage...

"Every Marriage is...Flawed": Chapter 6, Phil and Amy

Speaking of truth, I was an a-hole.  Ok, depending on who you talk to today, I can still be an a-hole.  Just ask any of my family, friends and fellow citizens.  You will find ‘Worst Boyfriend In The World’ (WBITW) on the opposite end of the ‘Soulmate’ spectrum.  If you were to look up ‘Soulmate’ in the thesaurus, WBITW would surely be the antonym, not the synonym.

"Every Marriage is...Flawed"; Chapter 5, WBITW

Unmet Expectations - Reality = Disillusionment.  The formula applies to everyone.  Your expectations of your spouse (or anyone or anything for that matter) on any given day minus the reality of what he/she is going to do = your disillusionment.

"Every Marriage is...Flawed", Chapter 4, UE-R = D

Yes!  You are in!  I couldn&apos;t resist this one.  Dr. Lorrits strikes again and it fits in perfectly as a Chapter 3 Bonus.  Jon is a Tailwind Dad.  If you have no idea what I&apos;m saying.  Back up one episode to "Every Marriage is...Flawed, Chapter 3, Do Father&apos;s Matter?".  Yes, Dr. Lorrits!  Hitting another &apos;play of the day&apos; out of the park.  Here&apos;s the connection.Jon made a decision.  He was going to be different.  He was going to be a dad that is present and love, encourage and yes discipline his kids in the way they should go.Now, you listening to this.  You are either a parent and you still have time to further improve.  If you blew it as a parent, you still have time as a grandparent to be the best you can be for the rest of your life.  If you don&apos;t have kids, you can absolutely mentor and coach.  Your call.  Your legacy.If you dig this podcast, thank you for rating and sharing it.  You can learn more at FriDudes.com.  Subscribe for there for more insights and invites.  If you would like some of the FriDudes to speak at your next event.  Simply contact us at FriDudes.comBTW, to find more of Dr. Lorrits, search the &apos;Bryan Lorrits Podcast&apos;.  That play of the day came from "Tailwind Dads", published on the 20th of June 2021.Ending on a prayer note, Heavenly Father, thank you for being our ultimate Father.  No matter how flawed our parents were or is this listener, you have the listeners back.  It is their choice to get closer to you.  Thank you for Dr. Lorrits and giving him such a great voice.  Lord, I lift this listener up right now.  They have a purpose.  You wired them with strengths.  There is still time for them to make a difference.  If they are feeling heavy with their flaws or someone else, thank you for Romans 1 that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  Lastly, thank you for Tailwind Dads and Moms for that matter.  Amen!

Chapter 3 Bonus: Tailwind Dads

In Chapters 1 and 2, we looked at flawed marriages and families.  Most of those have very flawed husbands and fathers.  Many fathers are absent as in gone/gone or married to their jobs.  One side of our society say that Fathers don&apos;t matter.  They say the nuclear family is dead.  Truth, where I see the nuclear family dead or lacking, I see a lot of problems.  In our largest cities to the suburbs, I see a lot of chaos.  Speaking of unmet expectations, some of you have been let down big time by your dad.  You either had a terrible Dad or a good Dad or somewhere in between.  Some say that has no impact?  I bet we all can agree a bad Dad can have a negative impact.  Yet, some say a good dad doesn&apos;t matter.  I call BS on that.  So does Maya and many more.  Here is the Good News, you do have an ultimate Father that loves you more than you can ever realize.  I&apos;m not talking about your earthly Dad either.  Of the 140+ episodes so far via FriDudes this is one of my faves and it makes the book.  This one aired just before Fathers Day 2020.  Here you go, Chapter 3, Do Fathers Matter?Discussion Questions1.  How does your earthly Dad rank?2.  Do you believe there is a heavenly Father that loves you more than you can imagine?3.  Regardless of your answers above, did this Chapter 3 make sense?  Do you see where Maya and others are coming from on the hope/love side?Thanks for sharing!  If you would like more insights and invites or would like to one or several of the FriDudes to speak at your next event, hit them up at FriDudes.com.  Now, go, love and serve others.  If you can follow that order, Your Heavenly Father, Your Spouse of your kids, and then your kids and others.

"Every Marriage is...Flawed"; Chapter 3: Do Fathers Matter?

Myth of the Perfect FamilyLet me tell you a story of a family I knew growing up.  We’ll just call them the ‘Perfects’.  Growing up, the Perfects were awesome.  They were so much fun!  They were the ‘IT’ family.  Everyone wanted to hang with them.  They were a model family in our church.  We would take family vacations together.  They were so charismatic.  They were beautiful.  I never saw them fight.  I truly believed they were the perfect family.  Overall, we made one big family with several other families from church and past small groups.  I loved the Perfects.  I considered them the ‘Gold Standard’.  

"Every Marriage is...Flawed"; Chapter 2: Myth of the Perfect Family

If you are married or looking to get married, this series is for you.  The audiobook version of "Every Marriage is...Flawed".Truth, a book that I&apos;ve been chicken to officially publish for over 10 years.  Ironically, waiting for things to be perfect.  No more.  So, will you listen to this with your spouse or spouse-to-be.  If you are in a small group, listen and discuss with them.  If you feel worthy, share with any marriage you care about.Let&apos;s break some of these myths vs. buying the lies that we are supposed to be &apos;happy&apos; and &apos;perfect&apos; all the time.If you dig, you can learn more at FriDudes.com. Subscribe for more insights.  Message us if you are open to some more coaching, counseling or perhaps a speaker at your next event.Without further adieu, here is Chapter 1:  The Perfect Marriage Lie

"Every Marriage is...Flawed", Chapter 1: The Perfect Marriage Lie

Yes!  You are in!  BW is Back!  Do you really know who and how powerful is your Heavenly Father?  Many think it&apos;s a mythical bearded dude up on a cloud firing down lightning bolts.  BW gets real and gives another nugget of encouragement for you.  As you listen, I always say that God is not a genie in a bottle.  You don&apos;t always get everything you want in life.  That&apos;s part of the test.  On the flip, I also echo what the Owner&apos;s Manual says that anything is possible with God.  Do you ask?  Do you know how to ask?  Do you realize the power behind the one you ask?    BW has a cool nugget for you on this subject.  Buckle up, here you go...PerspectiveTrain your mindGod&apos;s property

BW's HG Nuggets: Do You Know Your Pin #?

Bunch of Flawed Dudes trying to make sense out of this broken planet. Seeking Truth - what works and what doesn't. Making and encouraging disciples via Christ. Striving to be better Servant Leaders, Husbands, Fathers, Neighbors and Colleagues.

hubhopper

FriDudes - Getting Real. Pursuing Truth.

hubhopper